Unless you've been living under a rock, you know that modern Americans are much fatter than they were just a few decades ago. Take one look around a shopping center or strip mall and it seems that half the people present are struggling with obesity. Recent data from the CDC supports those observations - more than 39% of adults in the United States were considered obese from 2015-2016. That number is up from 33.7 percent in 2007-2008.
Perhaps more alarming is the fact that severe obesity is on the rise as well. The same report from the CDC tells us that nearly 8% of Americans were severely obese from 2015-2016, which is up from 5.7% in 2007-2008. When you read between the lines, those statistics mean that almost 4 in 10 adults are obese in the U.S., and almost 1 in 13 are severely obese.
Unfortunately, "fixing" obesity isn't something that can be done overnight. There is no quick fix that is also safe and non-surgical. The obesity problem in the U.S. is only getting worse as more adults and children choose the ease and convenience of fast food sugar-packed products over healthy eating, exercise, and positive lifestyle choices.
Besides the challenges of being overweight, like clothes that don't fit and hurtful comments, the health risks are much more serious. Obesity can endanger your life, and those who rely on you may lose you earlier than expected. Over time, the likelihood of developing severe and life-altering health problems grows.
The good news is that a new medication called semaglutide in Charleston, SC, is available for people struggling with obesity. This game-changing treatment approaches obesity as a chronic metabolic disease rather than a problem that can be solved through willpower alone.
At VIP Cosmetic Surgery, we now ioffer semaglutide as part of our custom weight loss program. If you've been struggling with obesity and have tried other diets with little to no success, don't lose hope. With the help of our medical and nutritional providers, you can lose weight, keep it off, and take meaningful steps toward better health.
Our weight loss program with semaglutide starts with a comprehensive consultation and evaluation process. During this phase, we will determine the ideal semaglutide dosage for you and provide personalized nutrition and exercise guidelines. Once we have a better understanding of your body and your weight loss goals, you'll begin receiving regular injections of semaglutide in Charleston, SC.
It's your responsibility to incorporate lifestyle changes, specifically in your diet and exercise, to reach your weight loss goals. However, we'll be there every step of the way and conduct regular check-ins to help you stay on course. We'll also closely monitor your progress and overall health to ensure that your weight loss is safe and sustainable. The purpose of our semaglutide weight loss program is to offer a comprehensive weight loss treatment that helps you achieve natural, long-lasting results. That's the VIP Cosmetic Surgery difference.
Patients who sign up for our semaglutide weight loss program benefit from the following:
For semaglutide to have the biggest impact on your weight, you've got to make changes to your diet. When you eat nutrient-dense, whole foods that support weight loss and healthy living, you're setting yourself up for long-term weight loss. Our nutrition plans are comprehensive and customized to your needs and lifestyle. That way, when you're ready to make real changes in your life, we'll be there with a nutrition plan you can follow to make the journey easier and more sustainable.
One of the biggest reasons why people fail to achieve their weight loss goals is because they try to do it all on their own. When you sign up for VIP Cosmetic Surgery's semaglutide program, you benefit from monthly check-ins with Dr. Farr to see how your progress is going. During this meeting, you can talk to the doctor about your progress and what hurdles you're still trying to overcome. The doctor will give you advice and guidance based on his experience and - perhaps most importantly - help keep you on track so that you can lose weight and keep it off for good.
Our practitioners will provide tests to ensure that your body is healthy, hydrated, and well-fed. By checking your hydration and nutrition levels, we can help ensure you're losing weight in a healthy manner and not starving yourself. By maintaining optimal health throughout your weight loss journey, you're giving yourself the best shot at long-term weight loss.
For individuals working to lose weight and stay healthy, sticking to a consistent diet and exercise routine can be tough. Between work obligations and important tasks like picking your kids up from school, there just doesn't seem to be enough time in the day to eat healthy foods. After all, McDonald's is on the way home, and your little ones are screaming for food.
Fortunately, many busy people find semaglutide to be a valuable tool in their weight loss journey. This FDA-approved injection, used for treating both diabetes and obesity, functions by activating GLP-1 receptors in the brain to aid in weight loss and promote long-term health.
In more simple terms, semaglutide imitates glucagon in the body, signaling to the brain that you're full and don't need to eat more. When you take semaglutide and try to overeat, your body sends a message that says, "That's enough." In essence, it makes you feel full, so you're less likely to binge eat, especially at night when food tends to sit in your stomach.
Semaglutide also slows down digestion, reducing unnecessary snacking throughout the day. By minimizing glucose spikes after meals, it lowers inflammation, which is a crucial step in optimizing your overall health. Moreover, Semaglutide assists in insulin secretion by the pancreas regulates glucose levels in the body and even possesses anti-aging and longevity properties. If you're struggling with weight loss, treatments such as semaglutide can make a substantial difference for you.
In summary, semaglutide helps you lose weight in a few different ways, including:
At VIP Cosmetic Surgery, one of the most frequently asked questions our providers receive from curious weight loss patients is whether or not semaglutide is supported by clinical trials. As it turns out, many trials have been conducted measuring the efficacy of semaglutide for weight loss, and the results are very promising.
Semaglutide is designed for individuals with a body mass index (BMI) of 30 or higher who are attempting to shed at least 10% of their total body weight without success with other methods. Clinical trials involving over 1,900 obese adults who were unable to lose five percent of their body weight after a year of treatment with other medications demonstrated that semaglutide increased average weight loss from 2% to 20% over a treatment period of just over one year compared to a placebo.
In a different trial involving 1,387 patients with obesity (but not type 2 diabetes), participants were randomly assigned to different doses of semaglutide: 0.5 mg, 1 mg, or placebo for 104 weeks. The group that took the higher dose of semaglutide lost an average of 31 pounds, while those on the lower dose lost an average of 11 pounds.
According to the NCBI, the Semaglutide Treatment Effect in People With Obesity (STEP) trials have shown the efficacy of semaglutide, as well. In large randomized controlled trials, patients who received 2.4 milligrams of semaglutide lost a mean of 6% of their weight after 12 weeks and 12% of their weight after 28 weeks.
So, what do all these statistics mean for you? If you're looking to shed some pounds, it's worth giving semaglutide injections a shot. This type of treatment isn't a miracle drug, but it can significantly boost your chances of weight loss success. That's why, at VIP Cosmetic Surgery, we have incorporated semaglutide as a fresh treatment option for individuals grappling with obesity, especially those who have exhausted other remedies and are seeking something new.
As is the case with promising therapies like semaglutide, people considering the drug have a lot of questions about whether it's right for them. Keep reading to get answers to some of the most common questions relating to semaglutide.
If you're an adult dealing with obesity, excessive weight, or weight-related medical conditions such as high cholesterol or high blood pressure, semaglutide injections could be a suitable option for you. To qualify for semaglutide weight loss services at VIP Cosmetic Surgery, you must meet the BMI range criteria established by the FDA. If you're unsure whether semaglutide injections are the right choice for you, we recommend scheduling a consultation with one of our weight loss practitioners today.
Our doctors and practitioners often hear from patients asking whether semaglutide is safe for long-term use. It's natural to have concerns about a medication that impacts your body. Simply put, as long as you meet the criteria, it is safe to take this weight-loss medication. Even patients with endocrine, kidney, heart, and liver conditions can safely use semaglutide. As of June 4, 2021, the Food & Drug Administration has given the green light for semaglutide injections (2.4mg once weekly) for chronic weight management in adults with obesity and at least one weight-related condition.
Weight loss medications such as semaglutide may cause people to regain weight once the treatment is stopped. According to a clinical trial featured in Practice Update, participants regained 11.6% of their lost body weight within a year of discontinuing semaglutide medication and lifestyle intervention. Researchers suggest that this weight gain could be linked to the reversal of the cardiovascular benefits associated with semaglutide treatment, including stable blood sugar levels and blood pressure.
This data underscores the importance of continued medication and ongoing treatment for obesity as a chronic health condition to effectively manage its impact on quality of life and heart health. The key takeaway here is that due to its nature as a weight loss treatment, it's best to take regularly over time for the best results.
That length of time will vary depending on factors such as:
There's no question about it - semaglutide is making waves in the medical community. Thousands of obese men and women in the U.S. are using the treatment to get a handle on their weight and live healthy lives. With its ability to reduce blood sugar levels and facilitate weight loss, it makes sense that patients are looking for ways to get the most out of their regimen.
Keep reading to learn a few of the best tips to maximize your journey with semaglutide.
Before you start taking semaglutide or make any changes to your treatment plan, make sure to discuss it with your healthcare provider who prescribes semaglutide. They will evaluate your specific needs, determine the right dosage for you, and give you important instructions on how to use the medication properly. At VIP Cosmetic Surgery, our weight loss practitioners work one-on-one with every patient who takes semaglutide to ensure they're staying healthy, hydrated, and committed to our semaglutide program.
Make sure to keep a close eye on your blood sugar levels as recommended by your semaglutide provider. While semaglutide can assist in reducing blood sugar levels, it's important to regularly monitor your progress and make any necessary adjustments. When you begin a weight loss program at VIP Cosmetic Surgery, you can rest easy knowing we check your blood sugar levels periodically.
Regular physical activity can boost the effects of semaglutide. It's best to aim for at least 30 minutes of moderate exercise 3-4 times a week to support weight loss and overall health improvements.
It's important to understand that results may not happen right away and could take some time to become noticeable. Try to be patient as you follow your treatment plan, maintain consistency with lifestyle changes, and have confidence that positive results will come gradually.
To maximize the effectiveness of semaglutide, it's very beneficial to eat a well-rounded diet abundant in fruits, vegetables, lean proteins, and whole grains. Always try to choose nutrient-rich options over high-calorie, high-fat foods. That way, you can achieve your weight loss objectives quicker. When you work with weight loss experts like the doctors at VIP Cosmetic Surgery, you'll have access to customized nutrition plans that will help expedite your weight loss and keep off the pounds once you reach your goals.
Make sure to set up regular follow-up appointments with your healthcare provider to track your progress, make any necessary changes to your treatment plan, and talk about any concerns or questions you might have. At VIP Cosmetic Surgery, follow-ups and check-ins are built into our semaglutide program, giving you one less thing to worry about as you lose weight.
Are you striving to reach a healthy weight and live a more fulfilling life? Are you eager to have a positive impact on yourself and your loved ones? Take the first step toward better health by contacting VIP Cosmetic Surgery. Our experienced, compassionate practitioners will collaborate with you to identify your weight-loss goals. Once we know more about you and your body, we'll create a custom plan and provide the cutting-edge strategies and treatments you need to see real results. If you're ready to make a meaningful change, we're ready to guide you on the path to success.
The likelihood the Lowcountry will see snow and freezing rain this week continues to increase, with the greatest impacts expected to be felt Tuesday afternoon into Wednesday morning.Charleston could see between 2 to 4 inches of snow and up to .15 inches of ice, according to the National Weather Service's Jan. 18 evening briefing. But it is still unclear if freezing rain or snow will prevail in South Carolina's coastal counties. The risk for snow is highest farther inland, the National Weather Service said.Arctic high pressure i...
The likelihood the Lowcountry will see snow and freezing rain this week continues to increase, with the greatest impacts expected to be felt Tuesday afternoon into Wednesday morning.
Charleston could see between 2 to 4 inches of snow and up to .15 inches of ice, according to the National Weather Service's Jan. 18 evening briefing. But it is still unclear if freezing rain or snow will prevail in South Carolina's coastal counties. The risk for snow is highest farther inland, the National Weather Service said.
Arctic high pressure is expected to build into the region Jan. 20, setting the stage for "very cold weather" to hit the Lowcountry, according to the National Weather Service's Jan. 18 morning briefing. Temperatures are expected to drop into the upper teens to mid-20s Jan. 21 into Jan. 22.
"This level of cold is very unusual for the area," a spokesperson from the National Weather Service told The Post and Courier. "Check with your neighbors, especially elderly ones, to see if they need anything. Also don't forget pets. They are impacted by the cold as well."
An area of low pressure will pass by mid-week, spreading "light to moderate" precipitation into the region. Experts are predicting there is a 50 to 70 percent chance enough snow will fall to produce travel issues, according to the National Weather Service. Some travel problems could continue Jan. 22 into Jan. 23 as wet roads could refreeze.
The most recent time such winter weather coated the Holy City in white was almost seven years ago, The Post and Courier previously reported.
Charleston kicked off 2018 with the first snow the city had seen since 2010. It started with over three hours of freezing rain that Jan. 3 that year before snow mixed in.
With just a little over five inches of snow, City Council declared a state of emergency, Charleston International Airport shut down and schools closed. Some roads were closed and cars slid along the streets. The Post and Courier reported there were no fatalities.
The South Carolina Department of Transportation announced on Jan. 17 that it is preparing for potential weather statewide.
Crews will begin spraying salt brine and salting interstate and primary routes before moving onto salting secondary roads, according to a statement. Crews will monitor roadways and de-ice them.
Each of South Carolina's counties have a three-day storage of salt on-site, and teams teams typically pull from one of two 10,000 ton salt storage domes in either Spartanburg or Columbia to spread across roadways, according to a spokesperson.
In the event that snow or ice sticks, DOT has a fleet of snowplows to be deployed, each with a driver who is required to renew their training yearly, according to DOT.
The Charleston International Airport also said it has a weather plan in place to keep the state's busiest airport operational.
Officials shared at the Jan. 16 Charleston County Aviation Authority meeting that they have a contractor on retainer that can deliver equipment to plow, salt and de-ice the grounds at CHS, including the tarmac. In the event of ice or snow, a group of employees would stay overnight to ensure smooth operations.
As local municipalities prepare for the winter weather, they have all urged residents to stay off the roads.
The Charleston (SC) Cougars (14-4, 4-1 CAA) are at home in CAA action against the Northeastern Huskies (10-8, 2-3 CAA) on Saturday, January 18, 2025 at 5:00 PM ET. The Cougars are favored by 6.5 points in the game. The matchup has a point total of 151.5.Charleston (SC) vs. Northeastern OddsCharleston (SC) vs. Northeastern Promo CodesGame Time and InformationWho Will Win Charleston (SC) vs. Northeastern?Charleston (SC) has a 4-1 record against the spread when favored by 6.5 points or more this season...
The Charleston (SC) Cougars (14-4, 4-1 CAA) are at home in CAA action against the Northeastern Huskies (10-8, 2-3 CAA) on Saturday, January 18, 2025 at 5:00 PM ET. The Cougars are favored by 6.5 points in the game. The matchup has a point total of 151.5.
Charleston (SC) has a 4-1 record against the spread when favored by 6.5 points or more this season.
Northeastern has a 1-2 record against the spread when an underdog by 6.5 points or more this year.
The two teams average a combined 3.8 fewer points per game (147.7) than this game’s over/under of 151.5 points.
Charleston (SC) and Northeastern have seen their opponents average a combined 8.1 fewer points per game than the point total of 151.5 set in this outing.
The average total Charleston (SC) has had in its matchups this year is 0.3 more points than this particular game’s point total.
The average total for Huskies games this year is 12.2 fewer points than the point total of 151.5 for this outing.
The Cougars have a 12-5-0 record against the spread this season.
The Huskies are 7-11-0 against the spread this season.
Charleston (SC)’s +74 scoring differential (outscoring opponents by 4.1 points per game) is a result of scoring 77.9 points per game (107th in college basketball) while giving up 73.8 per outing (248th in college basketball).
Charleston (SC) is 113th in college basketball at 33.9 rebounds per game. That’s similar to the 34.2 its opponents average.
The Cougars make 8.2 three-pointers per game (137th in college basketball) at a 34.7% rate (135th in college basketball), compared to the 7.7 their opponents make while shooting 30.3% from beyond the arc.
Charleston (SC) ranks 175th in college basketball by averaging 96.2 points per 100 possessions on offense, and defensively is 167th in college basketball, allowing 91.1 points per 100 possessions.
At home, the Cougars are scoring 15.1 more points per game (84.1) than they are in road games (69).
Northeastern scores 69.8 points per game (294th in college basketball) and gives up 69.6 (120th in college basketball) for a +4 scoring differential overall.
Northeastern is 204th in the nation at 32.3 rebounds per game. That’s 2.5 more than the 29.8 its opponents average.
Northeastern connects on 6.4 three-pointers per game (312th in college basketball), while its opponents have made 7.1 on average.
Northeastern ranks 287th in college basketball averaging 90.9 points per 100 possessions on offense, and defensively is 155th, allowing 90.6 points per 100 possessions.
In 2024-25 the Huskies are scoring 2.4 more points per game at home (71.8) than away (69.4).
Ante Brzovic leads the Cougars in scoring and rebounding, accumulating 18.2 points and 8.4 rebounds per game.
Charleston (SC)’s best passer is CJ Fulton, who averages 6.1 assists per game to go with a PPG scoring average of 7.9.
Deywilk Tavarez makes more threes per game than any other member of the Cougars, knocking down shots from beyond the arc at a clip of 2.3 per contest.
Fulton is Charleston (SC)’s leader in steals, averaging 1.6 steals per game, while Brzovic leads them in blocks with 1.1 per contest.
Rashad King’s points (17.3 per game) and assists (3.2 per game) stat lines are the top scoring and assists spots on the Huskies’ leaderboards.
Harold Woods grabs 7.8 rebounds per game (also scoring 11.4 points per game and adds 2.4 assists per game) which secures the top of the Northeastern rebounding leaderboard.
King is dependable from three-point range and leads the Huskies with 1.6 made threes per game.
Northeastern’s leader in steals is King with 1.4 per game, and its leader in blocks is Collin Metcalf with 2.2 per game.
And for more CBB game previews, NCAA basketball picks or even how to bet on college basketball check out the latest NCAAB lines on Betsperts.
While the likelihood of the Lowcountry seeing snow next week seems to be increasing — though it's still too early for forecasters to say for sure — local counties and agencies say they are more prepared than they were in 2018, the last time the region experienced a crippling ice and snow event.That storm dumped a wintry mix of more than 5 inches of snow and ice on the region Jan. 3, 2018, in the third-largest snowfall recorded in the Charleston area. Snow fell at a rate close to an inch every hour in some places, with temp...
While the likelihood of the Lowcountry seeing snow next week seems to be increasing — though it's still too early for forecasters to say for sure — local counties and agencies say they are more prepared than they were in 2018, the last time the region experienced a crippling ice and snow event.
That storm dumped a wintry mix of more than 5 inches of snow and ice on the region Jan. 3, 2018, in the third-largest snowfall recorded in the Charleston area. Snow fell at a rate close to an inch every hour in some places, with temperatures staying below freezing for several days afterward.
If another storm hits the area, here's how local agencies are prepared to deal with winter weather:
Charleston International Airport said it has a weather plan in place to keep the state's busiest airport operational. It stemmed out of lessons learned from the January 2018 storm that froze travel for nearly four days at the airport.
The slow response to cleaning off the runways, which are owned by Charleston Air Force Base, forced stranded passengers in Charleston and elsewhere to book alternate flights through nearby airports, rent cars to get to their destinations or cancel travel plans altogether, according to past reporting by The Post and Courier.
But not next time around, according to the airport.
Officials shared at the Jan. 16 Charleston County Aviation Authority meeting that they have a contractor on retainer that can deliver equipment to plow, salt and de-ice the grounds at CHS, including the tarmac. In the event of ice or snow, a group of employees would stay overnight to ensure smooth operations.
CEO Elliott Summey said the authority has agreed to take on the responsibility of clearing the tarmac areas. Staffers have also made plans with the S.C. Department of Transportation to ensure nearby Interstate 526 remains clear to ensure safer airport access.
"The airport never closes, even if airlines cancel or delay flights," Summey told the board. "We are a vital piece of infrastructure for the state and are treating it as such."
The S.C. Department of Transportation is typically prepared for weather impacts weeks in advance, media relations manager Hannah Robinson told The Post and Courier.
"We start preparing as soon as we know that (inclement weather) could possibly affect any area of South Carolina," Robinson said.
This preparation rallies approximately 4,000 DOT employees statewide, she said, from the Upstate to the lowest reaches of the Lowcountry.
They use a "tiered system" of roadway preparation for ice prevention, typically starting with interstates, then moving to main thoroughfares, Robinson said. DOT agents within each municipality across the state know their areas well and can determine which secondary roads and even some neighborhood roads might need attention.
Teams typically pull from one of two massive, 10,000 ton salt storage domes in either Spartanburg or Columbia to spread across roadways, Robinson said. Additionally, each of the Palmetto State's 46 counties have a three-day storage of salt on-site in their respective municipalities' DOT maintenance centers.
Crews use their area knowledge to determine if salt brine or salt granules will be more effective in certain areas. Salt brine is primarily used on interstates; it is deployed in a blanket spray that aids in preventing ice from sticking, Robinson said. Salt granules are typically used in low-lying or flood-prone areas where water can pool and freeze, she said.
In the event that snow or ice sticks, DOT has a fleet of snowplows to be deployed, each with a driver who is required to renew their training yearly, Robinson said.
Ultimately, DOT advises that if drivers can avoid traveling during dangerous weather conditions, they ought to do so. Robinson pointed to its storm resource page at scdot.org/travel/stormResources as a primary source for concerned residents to monitor the situation and potential road closures.
Folks with roadway concerns or wishing to report hazardous conditions can call 855-467-2368, which operates from 9 a.m.-5 p.m. Monday through Friday.
Local municipalities and counties have even invested in more equipment to prepare for winter weather, as rare as it is.
The town of Mount Pleasant, for example, now has two snowplows and the capability to spread sand on roadways. The town has 100-120 tons of sand ready to be deployed when needed, according to town spokesperson Eric LaFontaine. He said first responders are prepared to upstaff as needed to ensure a "swift response" to accidents."
Since 2018, Dorchester County has created a new emergency operations center that brings all the local agency partners and municipalities together to create a unified response to everything from a snowstorm to a large disaster, according to the county. It ensures real-time communication and coordination with DOT and the county's Public Works department about routes that may need priority, such as those leading to medical facilities. Berkeley County takes similar precautions, working with SCDOT to apply salt to county-maintained bridges and around certain county facilities, like EMS medic stations, ahead of the storm.
City of Charleston officials say its Emergency Operations Center is set to activate if needed, and city leaders are in regular contact with local, regional and national partners, including the National Weather Service.
"We prepare for winter weather events much like we would for a hurricane, even though the challenges presented are different," city spokesperson Deja Knight McMillan said.
One message from the municipalities is clear: They urge residents to stay off the roads to reduce strain on resources.
The city of Summerville said it was monitoring the upcoming storm, but did not comment further. The city of North Charleston and Charleston county did not respond by deadline.
Reach Megan Fernandes at mfernandes@postandcourier.com.
CHARLESTON COUNTY, S.C. (WCSC) - Charleston County Council’s newly-elected chairman laid out the details of what he calls his five-point plan for the future of the county.Council Chair Kylon Middleton, along with new Vice Chair Larry Kobrovsky and Council members Henry Darby and Teddie Pryor spoke with reporters at council chambers Tuesday night.Middleton says one of their priorities is initiating a countywide audit to ensure each department within county government is performing at its best and every tax dollar is spent ...
CHARLESTON COUNTY, S.C. (WCSC) - Charleston County Council’s newly-elected chairman laid out the details of what he calls his five-point plan for the future of the county.
Council Chair Kylon Middleton, along with new Vice Chair Larry Kobrovsky and Council members Henry Darby and Teddie Pryor spoke with reporters at council chambers Tuesday night.
Middleton says one of their priorities is initiating a countywide audit to ensure each department within county government is performing at its best and every tax dollar is spent responsibly.
He also wants to focus on issues that matter most to residents, saying some have been delayed for too long.
“We will prioritize road projects, not these in any particular order, but road projects like Highway 41 and to improve key intersections,” Middleton said. “Additionally, we will complete the Lowcountry Bus Rapid Transit. That has already been something that Council has been working on. To enhance our public transit options along with some other options of transit options like rail and other things that have been contemplated.”
He also highlighted continuing affordable housing projects, something he calls a growing challenge; and restoring integrity and trust within the county government.
“Ensure transparency in all county business. Transparency is foundational to restoring trust in our government and it will be a guiding principle under my leadership,” Middleton said. “We will prioritize conducting the people’s business in public. That could be seen in our committee meeting on Thursday. We did not leave to go into executive session, we stayed here and we conducted the people’s business in public.”
He said executive sessions at county meetings will be rare and only done when necessary.
Middleton also said public safety is a top priority and that they would make sure that law enforcement has the support that they need.
“This means more funding for officers, better equipment, enhancing the training for the sheriff’s and solicitor’s offices, but public safety is not just about resources, it’s also about building trust and strengthening relationships between law enforcement and the community,” Middleton said. “We will hold regular community meetings where community citizens can share their concerns and ideas and we’ll work together to find solutions that keep our neighborhoods safe.”
Middleton’s final key point is to highlight the work that the county has already accomplished and to continue its efforts to build on those achievements.
“This is a marathon and not a sprint, and so we can’t burn out and give out gas early, but we must continue to be dogged in this pursuit so that we can bring all of the council together, but through hard work, collaboration, and a renewed focus on the things that matter the most to the people of Charleston County we will succeed,” Middleton said.
Kobrovsky said the bipartisan outcome of the transportation sales tax referendum will help them build towards a better future.
“When we saw the results of the recent referendum, there was a bipartisan coalition for fiscal conservatism, but also conservation and what we love about living here and I think that by almost two-thirds, that gives us the potential to build on and I expect us to do that,” Kobrovsky said.
Middleton and Kobrovsky replaced former Chairman Herbert Sass and Vice Chairwoman Jenny Costa Honeycutt.
Copyright 2025 WCSC. All rights reserved.
CHARLESTON COUNTY, S.C. (WCBD) – The Charleston County School Board discussed raising teacher salaries on Monday night as they met for the first time in the new year.Last year, the district passed an $8,000 raise for the 2024-25 school year, making Charleston County one of the highest-paying school districts in the state with a starting salary for teachers of around $56,000.“I’ve been teaching for 32 years in the district, and never have we seen increases like this, dedication like this- from the board, from t...
CHARLESTON COUNTY, S.C. (WCBD) – The Charleston County School Board discussed raising teacher salaries on Monday night as they met for the first time in the new year.
Last year, the district passed an $8,000 raise for the 2024-25 school year, making Charleston County one of the highest-paying school districts in the state with a starting salary for teachers of around $56,000.
“I’ve been teaching for 32 years in the district, and never have we seen increases like this, dedication like this- from the board, from the superintendent, so we would just like to continue to see it keep pace with housing in the area, with cost of living in the area,” said Jody Stallings, with the Charleston Teacher Alliance.
Now teachers with 0 to 5 years of experience will see their salary increase to $64,782 and teachers with over five years of experience will see around a $4,000 salary increase.
“We know when our teachers are focused on teaching and learning and not how they’ll pay their bills or about how they’ll prepare dinner, or going to a second job, we know the children in the classroom get the most from focused teachers who are energized around the working elevating outcomes,” said Superintendent Anita Huggins.
Board members said they could increase salaries without cutting funds across any program. This proposed salary raise will make Charleston teachers’ salaries competitive with those of teachers in areas such as Atlanta and Charlotte.
“We are already the highest paying in the state, but it will position us in the southeastern region to lead in the region. It will not only make us more competitive but allow us to select the very best and retain them,” said Leah Whatley, a CCSD board member.
In recent years, Charleston County has seen a decline in the number of young people entering the teaching profession. With higher salaries, the goal is to have more teachers come to Charleston County and stay.
“It’s really important for young people to know it’s a feasible career option. It used to be a common understanding teachers weren’t paid what they deserve but I can see it’s starting to turn. I can see in my own school it has grown, and these students are very interested in being part of one of the best professions out there. I think if students see that it’s something they can afford to live and work and be part of their communities they will definitely pursue it,” said Patrick Martin, a teacher with CCSD.
The Charleston County School Board is also considering expanding employee daycare for FY 2026.
The pay increase was proposed Monday night and will be voted on later this year.
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